This indispensable resource provides a flexible framework and a wealth of engaging tools for teaching mindfulness to children and adolescents with varying needs in school or clinical settings. Numerous kid-friendly mindfulness practices are presented, complete with step-by-step instructions, sample scripts, suggested variations, and discussion questions. The benefits of mindfulness for enhancing children's social–emotional competencies are clearly explained. Clinicians and teachers are guided to select and sequence activities for groups struggling with specific challenges: stress and anxiety, depression, attention problems, behavioral and emotion regulation issues, and trauma. In a convenient large-size format, the book includes 16 reproducible handouts. Purchasers get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials.

“Clinicians and teachers are on the lookout for time-tested approaches to introducing mindful awareness practices to children and teens. Drawing on their many years of experience, Semple and Willard address this critical need magnificently. This is the first book to provide a research-based, developmentally appropriate mindfulness program to support recovery, build resilience, and cultivate flourishing in a range of clinical and educational settings. The pathways apply aspects of mindfulness to specific issues, and include instructions for adapting the activities for various contexts and ages.”—Patricia A. Jennings, PhD, Curry School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia

“Instead of a cookie-cutter approach, Semple and Willard give users a tremendous amount of flexibility to design programs for particular groups of children and teens. The authors smartly provide pathways that address different clinical problems (for example, ADHD, depression) with targeted mindfulness practices. Teachers and therapists alike will find the 'Challenges and Tips,' 'Cautions and Contraindications,' and 'Suggested Practice Activities' extremely helpful. This outstanding book is a valuable tool.”—Jason Thomas, MS, licensed educational psychologist and mindfulness facilitator, Los Angeles, California

“A 'must-have' resource for any professional who wants to share the adventure of mindfulness with children. Semple and Willard have developed a comprehensive, step-by-step manual. They provide detailed descriptions of engaging mindfulness exercises and activities, starting with the most basic attending skills and culminating in ways to integrate mindfulness into daily life. With an emphasis on safety, Semple and Willard describe adaptations for diverse populations, complete with recommendations regarding possible contraindications and complications.”—Roger S. Nolan, MA, LMFT, mindfulness-based psychotherapist, South Pasadena, California

“The format of this book is very practical and easy to navigate. I especially like how the authors make the concepts relatable for children and teens. This book is a powerful tool in helping children of all ages develop the confidence to utilize mindfulness skills. I can see myself incorporating these ideas in my sessions with children who struggle with tolerating the distressing and uncomfortable feelings that accompany anxiety. This book will be a benefit for my practice!”—Donna DeFazio, LCSW, PsyD, private practice, Pasadena, California

About the Authors

Randye J. Semple, PhD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC). She has authored over 30 scientific journal articles, book chapters, and other professional publications. Dr. Semple is Consulting Editor for Spirituality in Clinical Practice and serves on the steering committee for Mindful USC, the University's mindfulness initiative, and on the research committee of the American Mindfulness Research Association. Dr. Semple is the lead developer of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for children (MBCT-C), an evidence-based group psychotherapy that is being researched and implemented worldwide. She presents and publishes widely and provides workshops, consulting, invited lectures, and other training opportunities.

Christopher Willard, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist and educational consultant with a specialty in mindfulness. Based in Boston, he speaks on the topic of mindfulness and meditation with young people nationally and internationally, and teaches at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Willard is on the board of directors of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy and is President of the Mindfulness in Education Network. He has been practicing sitting meditation since 1999. He is coauthor of The Mindfulness Matters Program for Children and Adolescents: Strategies, Activities, and Techniques for Therapists and Teachers and coeditor of Teaching Mindfulness Skills to Kids and Teens, among other books. His website is www.drchristopherwillard.com.

Audience

Clinical and school psychologists, social workers, counselors, and other mental health professionals who work with children and adolescents in clinical, school, and community settings; elementary and secondary teachers.